393.11/1257: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
730. Legation’s 695, August 14, noon.
1. Following from Nanking:
“August 17, 2 p.m. Following is the English translation of reply from Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the note contained in Legation’s telegram of August 14, noon, concerning protection of Americans being at Kanchow:
‘I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Legation’s note stating that if the National forces have not yet left Kanchow they be instructed adequately to protect Americans in that locality and that Americans be permitted to leave the district with the troops.
In its telegram of August 2nd this Ministry requested your Legation to advise foreigners in Kanchow to evacuate immediately in order to avoid danger. The Kiangsi Provincial Government subsequently ordered foreigners in that place to leave the district with the troops, but American missionaries there telegraphed this Ministry expressing their unwillingness to evacuate with the troops. This is not what was expected.
Having now received your note under acknowledgment I have requested the Kiangsi Provincial Government by telegraph to exhaust effort and devise means to effect a rescue and extend protection. I have the honor to indite this note for your information.’
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Lee informed me orally yesterday that the telegram received by the Ministry from Bishop O’Shea at Kanchow was a very lengthy one and that in it the Bishop stated that he not only refused to leave Kanchow but also demanded that additional troops be sent there so that he might remain in safety. The Vice Minister also stated he believed that by this time the Communists were already in Kanchow. Repeated to Hankow.”
Following from Hankow:
“August 19, 4 p.m. Nanking’s August 17, 2 p.m., received.
On August 15 I notified General Ho Ying-chin briefly of Kanchow matter and requested him if possible to send following radio message to O’Shea: [Page 175]
‘Legation has requested Ministry of Foreign Affairs to afford you safe conduct out of Kanchow to place of security in view of the Government’s decision withdraw troops from Kanchow. Please notify other Americans.’
Ho replied that it was difficult to get message through to Kanchow but it would be sent as soon as possible. Ho’s letter also stated that the National Government has not announced or ordered the withdrawal of the garrison from Kanchow.
I shall take no further action at this time except under instructions from the Legation or Department. [To] Nanking by air mail.”
2. In view of the above there would appear to be no further action which the Legation might appropriately take at this time.
- Telegram in three sections.↩